Today, National Milk Producers Federation’s board of directors voted to incorporate important changes into the Foundation for the Future dairy policy reform proposal.

As part of the proposed changes, the basic coverage of the Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program will be set at 80 percent of base production. Additionally, producers will have the option of purchasing supplemental coverage on up to 90 percent of their base production as adjusted for milk production growth.

The Dairy Market Stabilization Program has been made voluntary, offering producers options for managing risk on their operations. The Federal Order proposal has been simplified and is limited to requesting the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a hearing to change the current end product pricing formula for Class III to a competitive price.

These changes are expected to result in similar changes to the draft dairy policy reform legislation released by Reps. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Mike Simpson (R-Idaho).

“We support the changes to the Foundation for the Future policy proposal, which provide producers more options to protect their margins and strengthen our ability to export. We applaud National Milk Producers Federation’s board and management for their efforts.

Additionally, we appreciate Reps. Peterson and Simpson for leading dairy reform efforts on Capitol Hill and urge other members of Congress to cosponsor their bill, which is modeled after this policy proposal.

Dairy producers have been discussing needed changes to dairy policy for more than two years. It is extremely gratifying to be part of this effort and to see this proposal — which so many have contributed to — be presented to Congress with such positive momentum.”